†1. The mile of 1984 Imperial yards (Sc. 1779 J. Swinton Weights and Measures 24), by the 18th c. usually denominated the Scots mile to distinguish it from the English mile of 1760 yards. The exact length varied from place to place. It was practically obs. by the 19th c.
Sc. 1715 J. SinclairMemoirs (Abbotsford Club) 102: We . . . marched nere to fourtie Scots miles in tuentie-four houres.Abd. 1758 Aberdeen Jnl. (27 June): The town and lands of Hillbrae . . . in the parish of Udny, and within seven miles of the town of Aberdeen.Ayr. 1791 BurnsTam o' Shanter 7: We think na on the lang Scots miles, The mosses, waters, slaps, and styles, That lie between us and our hame.Sc. 1817 ScottRob Roy xxviii.: Callander, which the Bailie stated to be seven Scots miles distant.Abd. 1826 D. AndersonPoems 94: He in a neighbourin' paris' won'd A few Scots miles awa.Ayr. a.1878 H. AinsliePilgrimage (1892) 184: A lang Scots mile was shortlin's past.

2. Phr. to gae one's mile(s), to go as far as one can or dares in (wild) conduct (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Gen.Sc.